If you’re growing a little bored of all-American summertime fare like grilled burgers and strawberry shortcake and you’re longing for a getaway in Tuscany or along the Amalfi Coast, channel the Italian vacation of your dreams and try a nibble like fresh Grilled Eggplant Tarte made with garden-grown tomatoes or a Blueberry Peach Focaccia. To further enhance your la dolce vida meal, try a Bicicletta, the next summer spritz that should be on your go-to list.
With a hint more bitterness and a little less sweetness, you could say the Bicicletta is the grown-up version of the Aperol Spritz—another three-ingredient warm-weather favorite hailing from the Mediterranean. The difference is an that Aperol Spritzes get their bubbles from sparkling wine, while the Bicicletta is made fizzy with club soda. Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir for the Bicicletta, as its fruity flavors pair nicely with the Campari.
A bicicletta is made with just three ingredients for simple mixing and quick refreshment. Its low-alcohol content makes it easy to sip throughout the evening, from appetizers to dessert.
“What makes this drink, and any summer drink, especially good in the summer is some fizz and a touch of bitterness,” says Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen senior brand manager Juli Hale. “Think of why a cold beer is just what you want on a hot day—it’s the same thing: fizz and bitterness. The bitterness is really refreshing, and the carbonation actually helps your body cool down. What’s more American than a cold beer, right? And what’s more Italian than a Bicicletta?”
How to Make a Bicicletta
You’ll need:
- 3 ounces white wine
- 2 ounces Campari
- Club soda (to top)
Add the ingredients to a tall glass or a wine glass with ice. Stir a few times to combine and garnish with an orange slice or peel.
There’s a bit of lore surrounding this drink’s origins: Legend has it was named after old Italian men who rode unsteadily home on their bicycles to tumble into bed after an evening of indulging in this classic. But you don’t have to go anywhere to enjoy this delightful drink—unless you want to. Whether in your own backyard or somewhere on the Italian Riviera, a Bicicletta is a crowd-pleasing summer cocktail that complements just about any experience. Ciao, bella!